A NEW addition to the rural community of Coniston is set to rise from the ground, after work started on a scheme that will bring much-needed social housing to the village.
Castles & Coasts Housing Association – which has more than 7,000 properties across the North of England – has appointed Cumbria based Cubby Construction to build its Homes England-backed development, that will deliver high quality housing to rent.
The small development, which is planned to take 12 months to build, will see seven attractive new homes take shape in the village, that stands at the heart of the National Park.
All of the properties will be offered for rent, delivering a welcome boost in an area where social housing is scarce. It is part of an aspiration of Castles & Coasts to build 120 new homes each year across Cumbria and the North East.
Stephanie Murphy, chief executive of Castles & Coasts Housing Association, said: “We’re delighted to break ground on a small but significant scheme for Coniston.
“We know that across the National Park in particular, there is much to do to ensure that social housing is more readily available to support a range of families, so schemes like this are vitally important if we’re to ensure people are not forced out of the area.
“It’s fantastic too that we are able to work with a local company to construct these homes, delivering real added value to the area, creating opportunities and supporting jobs for local people and companies.”
The homes will offer a traditional Lake District design coupled with innovative features, including solar panels and battery storage in the roof, ensuring they’re as sustainable and affordable as possible.
The development has been backed by Homes England, the Government’s housing accelerator, which has several aims including increasing the number of new homes that are built in England as well as the number of affordable homes and homes for rent.
Caroline Cormack, Head of Provider Management from Homes England said: “Despite the current challenges affecting the country, supporting new housing remains our number one priority. We will continue to do business with partners like Castles & Coasts, who are committed to building vital new homes.”
South Lakeland District Council have also supported the development with a grant.
Councillor Jonathan Brook, South Lakeland District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Housing and Innovation, said: “It’s always great to see new affordable homes being built for local families in areas such as this, where there is greatest need.
“South Lakeland District Council is very pleased to be able to provide support to enable the development of sustainable modern affordable homes. In this case, we have awarded an Affordable Homes Grant of £99,000. We look forward to the completion of these homes next year and seeing seven local families taking up residence in these wonderful affordable properties.’’
The new 2-and-3-bedroom homes are expected to be completed and available to rent in late summer 2021.
Carlisle based Cubby Construction will complete the entire build process on behalf of Castles and Coasts
Mike Robinson, Business Development Manager at Cubby Construction, said: “These developments are vital for local communities throughout the county, and as a Cumbrian family firm we are delighted to be working together with Castles & Coasts Housing Association on this new development in Coniston.”
Alastair Cameron, Chairman of Coniston Housing Trust – formerly Coniston and Torver Community Land Trust – which has been responsible for the development of 47 affordable houses for rent in both villages, including the seven homes on this scheme, said: “It is essential that we continue to develop affordable homes to rent, as many of the smaller terraced homes in the village are under threat of becoming second homes, with infrequent occupancy.”
To find out more about homes available from Castles & Coasts Housing Association, visit www.castlesandcoasts.co.uk
